NRF Names American Fashion Designer Tommy Hilfiger as The Visionary 2025

(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation announced that Tommy Hilfiger, founder of his namesake brand, will receive The Visionary award at the 10th annual NRF Foundation Honors on Jan. 12, 2025, in New York City.

“With four decades of building a brand that has seamlessly blended classic American style with modern sensibilities, Tommy Hilfiger epitomizes the spirit of a successful retailer,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Since 1985, his visionary leadership and tireless commitment to excellence have established TOMMY HILFIGER as one of the world’s most recognized premium lifestyle brands. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of his iconic brand in 2025, NRF is honored to recognize Tommy as The Visionary 2025.”

Founded in 1985, TOMMY HILFIGER made a bold entrance into the fashion world with a billboard debut in Times Square. After going public in 1992, the company continued its expansion globally and diversified its offerings beyond menswear to include women’s and kids’ sportswear, denim, accessories and footwear. Inspired by a relentless pursuit of writing new rules for American fashion and pop culture, TOMMY HILFIGER represents the modern uniform for an aspirational lifestyle, with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. Today, TOMMY HILFIGER is part of PVH Corp. with Hilfiger leading the brand as its Principal Designer.

“Being recognized by the National Retail Federation as the next Visionary is an incredible honor,” Tommy Hilfiger said. “As an ambitious, big-dreaming newcomer to the fashion scene in 1985, fueled by passion and conviction, I was embraced by the North American retail community, who took a chance on my vision. Their support was instrumental to my journey in becoming a leading American designer with global influence. Together, with the unwavering dedication of our global teams, we’ve built on that foundation and proudly reached the milestone of nearly four decades in business.”

Previous recipients of The Visionary award include DICK’S Sporting Goods Executive Chairman Ed Stack; Lowe’s Chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison; Target Corp. Board Chairman and CEO Brian Cornell; former Kohl’s CEO Michelle Gass; Nike Chairman, President and CEO Mark Parker; Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon; and Levi Strauss & Co. President and CEO Chip Bergh.

Hilfiger will participate in a fireside chat with Shay on Jan. 13 at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show.

Since 2015, the NRF Foundation Honors has raised funds to support the NRF Foundation’s work highlighting retail as an industry of opportunity and providing resources to prepare people for life-changing careers. The event celebrates leaders in retail and features the presentation of the NRF Foundation’s undergraduate scholarships. More information is available at nrffoundation.org/honors.